News : Media invitation – Official opening of Ormskirk School by HRH The Duke of York

Wednesday, 12th October 2005(PR05/0347)

HRH The Duke of York will officially open Ormskirk School at 10.30am on Tuesday, 18 October.

The £16million building opened its doors in September 2001 following the amalgamation of Ormskirk Cross Hall High School and Ormskirk Grammar School and operated on a split site for three years.

Ormskirk School provides accommodation for 1600 students aged between 11 and 18 and includes £750,000 of IT equipment.

Headteacher John Doyle said: "Our new building gives the teachers and pupils in Ormskirk a fantastic opportunity - Ormskirk School is an exciting place to be.

"I want to thank Lancashire County Council and Lord Derby for their work in funding the new project and the governors, staff and parents for their support through the transitional period.

“It's a great honour that The Duke of York is able to perform the opening for us - and it is symbolic of the significance of the project to the town and the community."

County Councillor Alan Whittaker, Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “This opening marks the dedication and hard work of everybody involved in the project. I am delighted that The Duke of York has agreed to open the school.

“It really is a cutting-edge building, unique in its design and I’m sure the prince will be impressed by what he sees.

“The school combines good building techniques as well as a strong technological infrastructure to provide facilities of the highest quality that the town can be proud of.”

The new school has up-to-date specialist accommodation for subjects such as Design and Technology, Science and the Arts.

There are also excellent sporting facilities including a sports hall, gymnasium and floodlit all-weather pitch.

The old school buildings were demolished and landscaping was completed in Spring this year.

Notes for editors

Reporters and photographers are invited to attend the official opening of Ormskirk School.